{"id":1147,"date":"2016-10-05T13:12:49","date_gmt":"2016-10-05T13:12:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scottsnowden.net\/blog\/?p=1147"},"modified":"2023-01-01T21:08:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-01T21:08:12","slug":"my-magnum-opus-on-magnum-p-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scottsnowden.net\/blog\/2016\/10\/05\/my-magnum-opus-on-magnum-p-i\/","title":{"rendered":"My magnum opus on Magnum, P.I."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From 1980 to 1988, the exploits of Hawaii-based private investigator Thomas Magnum enthralled audiences across the world. A strapping, six-foot, moustached ladies man, he lived the dream lifestyle and embarked on exciting adventures every week. Scott Snowden<\/em> endured all 162 episodes \u2013 some of which were enjoyable and others excruciating \u2014 to ascertain its appeal…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 80s was arguably the last decade with a strong, standalone style, defined mostly by the music of the era, fashion cinema and TV. Fewer channels, smaller budgets, no internet and an all-round different society meant that the mainstream shows were seen by almost everyone at the time, but have now faded into fond memory and ascended to virtual cult status. Examples include Knight Rider<\/em>, Airwolf<\/a><\/em>, The A-Team, <\/em>an array of epic cop dramas like Hill Street Blues<\/em>, Cagney & Lacey<\/em>, Miami Vice<\/em> and of course Magnum, PI<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name itself is synonymous with cool; champagne, the most powerful handgun in the world and yes, even a delicious velvety smooth ice cream covered in rich milk chocolate. It is perhaps the most universally accepted, unnecessarily macho-sounding name in modern pop-culture. Other, less-celebrated examples include Colonel Ironhorse, Stringfellow Hawke, Rick Hunter, Captain Power and Colt Seavers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Magnum, PI<\/em> was first shown in 1980, it was a fresh approach to a tried and tested theme. Sure, we’d seen private investigators before like Jim Rockford and Magnum even shared the same locale as Hawaii Five-O<\/em>, but the tone was different and so were the main characters. It was originally to be set in Southern California and one of the reasons it changed to Hawaii was because CBS didn’t want to shut down its production offices after the 12-year run of Hawaii Five-O<\/em> ended. In addition, NBC’s The Rockford Files<\/em> was set in Los Angeles and another series focusing on a PI in Southern California was perhaps too similar. Moreover, Hawaii itself is something of a transient location, it’s the sort of place that practically everyone visits at some point, so in effect, the characters could wait for adventure to come to them \u2013 be it in the form of old friends, distant relatives or long lost loves \u2013 while still retaining believability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incidentally, Tom Selleck, Roger E Mosley and Larry Manetti all did guest spots on The Rockford Files<\/em> and the Magnum<\/em> episode Tigers Fan<\/em> (S8, E4) even features a discussion of a Rockford Files<\/em> episode in a very early example of what we probably now consider some sort of post-modern, Tarantino-esque, pop-culture cross-reference. There are also occasional mentions of Five-O and sometimes even an unseen officer by the name of McGarrett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its original inception and with the benefit of occasional re-runs on both US and UK television, Magnum<\/em> has firmly cemented itself as an icon of the 80s and commands a prominent place in the Popular Culture Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnum was an all-round good guy, only flawed by sometimes acting like a spoiled brat. The Masters Estate offered him free accommodation in a cozy, Spanish-styled guest house, tennis courts, extensive wine cellar, a dark room plus high-end photographic equipment, a private beach and moon pool and of course the single most inappropriate vehicle for anyone not wanting to be noticed, a bright red Ferrari 308GTS. Not to mention free helicopter rides around the islands and free access to the exclusive King Kamehameha Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnum’s happy-go-lucky style is an enviable one and combined with his almost-Amadeus laugh, frequently results in a subconscious smile from the viewer. He happily admits that one of the reasons he became a private investigator is because he likes to help people and you can’t help but wonder that witnessing firsthand the full extent of horrors that man has to offer and even just making it out of Vietnam alive after three tours of duty means that Magnum is genuinely grateful for every single sunrise. As such, he lives his life by a code of simple, compassionate and down to earth values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnum, PI<\/em> was many things at different times. It was a serious drama \u2013 including post-Vietnam War issues and Naval Intelligence-linked plots; it was a tongue-in cheek-comedy \u2013 not afraid to have fun with the format or make fun of itself; it was a clever murder-mystery, costume drama…all of which made it addictive viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s well known that Tom Selleck was Steven Spielberg’s first choice to play Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em> (1981). So the story goes, Selleck was torn about what to do, but ultimately decided that since he’d already accepted the part of Magnum, he should honor the agreement. Let’s not forget he’d already starred in no less than six failed TV pilots. As it turned out, the shooting of the Magnum<\/em> pilot was delayed for over six months because of a writer’s strike, which would have enabled him to complete the first Indiana Jones movie and while Selleck was waiting for production on the pilot episode to start, filming for Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em> had begun…in Hawaii. Of course, Magnum<\/em> would go on for a staggering eight seasons and 162 episodes until 1988, winning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1984. (As a matter of interest, The A-Team<\/em> and Miami Vice<\/em> both only lasted five seasons and Knight Rider<\/em> only lasted for four.) Selleck also earned roughly $50k for each episode of the first seven seasons (compared to Harrison Ford, who was paid $400k for Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em>) and considerably more for the eighth and final season, the last episode of which is the fifth most-watched television series finale of all-time, after M*A*S*H<\/em>, Cheers<\/em>, Seinfeld<\/em>, and Friends<\/em>. It was seen by some 50.7 million viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The theme<\/strong>
Magnum, PI<\/em> is one of the TV shows of the era that benefitted from having a memorable opening credits sequence and theme, others include Airwolf<\/a><\/em>, Hill Street Blues <\/em>and of course Miami Vice. <\/em>When the familiar opening theme is first used on Thicker Than Blood<\/em> (S1, E11) the difference is…immeasurable. Gone is the dated, easygoing music that echoed of the preceding decade, instead replaced with the gorgeous, energetic, upbeat theme that matched the clip montage so much better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re gripped instantly and it’s not letting go. Straight away we see TC’s Hughes 500 dive toward the ocean, then a dramatic point of view shot flying low over the clear waters of the Pacific and the title Magnum PI<\/em> flashes up, all to the sound of a dynamic theme combined with cool chords of a wah-wah guitar. And that’s just the first seven seconds. More clips flash up, the Ferrari races by, Magnum slaps a mag into his Colt Government Automatic, he’s paddling hard on his surfski, then he’s dressed in his Navy uniform and looks pensive, a car blows up…and then at just the right time, for a few seconds, a medley of strings kick in and brings a heart-warming moment to the theme just as Magnum turns to screen, smiles in the way that only he can, then speeds off in the Ferrari, throwing up mud and grass as he does so. We love him. At that moment we fall head over heels in love with Magnum. Men want to be him, women want to do him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next we’re introduced to Higgins as the theme continues it’s softer side, we see him practicing his tai chi chuan and throwing that oh-so-Higgins look from the top of the stairs in the guest house, firmly reinforcing the father-mischievous son relationship he has with Magnum, frequently losing his temper but caring deep down.  Then we’re treated to some stunning low-level flying along the breathtaking volcanic coastline together with a subtle change in tune as an electric guitar soars with us. We see Magnum and TC working together, one flying and the other taking surveillance photographs. Magnum might only be a one-man business, but he has at his deposal more resources than most other detective agencies, including air support, use of high-end photographic equipment and a close circle of friends who are in some way connected to just about everything that happens in Hawaii, from underworld contacts, to address checks, to the King Kamehameha Club. TC shrugs his enormous shoulders and gives us a trademark smile and next he’s picking up empty shell cases, concerned for the whereabouts of his dear friend and finally we see him relaxing in his office with a cold beer as the rain pours down on the windows outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then the drama returns as the tempo picks up once again and we’re reminded that despite the shenanigans and an enviable social scene in the Polynesian paradise, Magnum’s job is often fraught with danger. The Ferrari races by and we see Rick throwing Magnum an anxious look as they speed along in the scarlet sports car. Rick, the final member of this close family is cool, calm and well connected. Like TC, Magnum frequently has Rick undertaking all sorts of weird and wonderful jobs to help out with a case, from hiding in an abandoned open air pool or pretending to be a sushi deliveryman or a rickshaw driver. The final montage of clips shows just a sample of what makes Hawaii such an exciting location, from beautiful beaches and rolling surf to stunning sunsets, traditional Hawaiian culture and the streets of Honolulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, as this rollercoaster ride draws to a close, Magnum slowly, seductively turns to camera and gives what becomes the most iconic eyebrow raise in human history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Archer<\/em> brilliantly recreated the season 5 opening credits sequence in 2015 as a TV trailer to promote the new series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Magnum breaks the fourth wall within the first few minutes of the pilot episode<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It’s primarily identified as a French resistance symbol, but it’s also used for many other purposes. The cross was originally used by the Knights Templar in the Middle Ages, and later by Joan of Arc in the 15th century. The double cross insignia was later used by the US Army 79th Infantry Division in both world wars as well as the French resistance in WWII. The full backstory to the ring is never seen. There is a flashback scene in the beginning of Memories Are Forever<\/em> (S2, E5 parts 1 & 2) that shows Rick and TC on a Saigon street corner briefly looking at a tattoo flash of the Cross of Lorraine. Rick and TC already have their rings at this point and Michelle soon appears wearing her Cross of Lorraine pendant. We see the rings in other Vietnam flashbacks also, so we know they were made for the team at some point during that time. We don’t know why they chose the double cross symbol, but there are a few reasons that support this choice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022<\/strong> it’s a long-used symbol of military resistance
\u2022<\/strong> two members of his Veitnam unit were French and his former wife Michelle was French
\u2022<\/strong> TC is originally from New Orleans, a city with a rich French history
\u2022<\/strong> The French were driven out of Vietnam before the Americans arrived<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cross was also memorably seen on a ring belonging to Mr Berger played by John Qualen in the classic 1942 movie Casablanca<\/em>, a movie that is referenced many times on Magnum<\/em> <\/em>largely because Rick, whose real name we learn is Orville, tries to model himself on Humphrey Bogart’s character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The budget constraints are more obviously apparent in the early days and this was to be expected from a show still in its infancy. The number plate on the red Ferrari changes to ROBIN 1 in episode three, China Doll<\/em>, and the famous footage of Magnum nonchalantly putting the car into gear and pulling out, tearing up the grass hard shoulder behind him remained in the opening sequence through all eight seasons, causing a few continuity issues since that’s from the pilot episode and still shows the car with the 56E-478 number plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oddly, in two of the first three episodes Magnum ends up shooting and killing the bad guy. As the series progressed, this hardly happened and when it did, significant effort was made to show Magnum’s reluctance and that only a very special set of circumstances would make him shoot to kill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We first hear the familiar Magnum, PI<\/em> theme in The Ugliest Dog in Hawaii <\/em>(S1, E7) as a variation is used for the end credits and as incidental music during the story. Unusually, a few outtakes are included in the end credits sequence and it’s fantastic to see Tom Selleck and John Hillerman having a laugh together. It’s a shame this wasn’t done more. This episode also notable for being arguably the single most annoying of the entire first season. Possibly ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towards the end of the first season, some of the reoccurring themes are introduced and J.”Digger” Doyle<\/em> (S1, E16) is memorable for a number of reasons. It’s the first time we see Robin Masters, or at least the shadow of Robin Masters, voiced by Orson Welles. You may remember that much later in the series, Magnum starts to suspect that Higgins is<\/em> actually Robin Masters and despite this episode unequivocally disproving that, it’s fun to entertain the idea and you might not have seen this particular episode in the past. We learn that in addition to the Hawaii estate, Mr Masters, celebrated pulp fiction novelist extraordinaire, has an apartment in Manhattan, a villa in Andros, a chalet at Innsbruck and the estate in Hawaii. We also see Magnum being a complete bastard<\/em> to TC by pretending to be sick after a helicopter ride just as TC’s very important customers arrive at the airfield. Naturally they then drive off so TC no longer has an excuse to not help Magnum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the early episodes we can see Magnum waving his Government model Colt 1911 A1 .45 cal. automatic pistol around, shooting from the hip, like he’s in an old western: something that happened all too often in TV shows of the time. The tactical technique that we see the most today is what’s called the Weaver Stance<\/a> \u2013 a superior two-handed method of tactical advance with elbows and knees bent, one foot forward and where the handgun, body and head are turned together. It became popular in the 70s as many law enforcement professionals opted to use this instead of the old-fashioned Isosceles Stance, so Magnum certainly would’ve been aware of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemistry<\/strong>
Above all else, it’s the chemistry between Magnum, Higgins, Rick and TC that makes this series more memorable than any other. The relationship between all four is quickly and nicely established in the pilot episode and then gradually built upon, albeit sometimes with better episodes than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time we see the four of them being forced to work together is in The Curse of the King Kamehameha Club <\/em>(S1, E10) <\/em>and it’s a joy to watch as these four utter blockheads realize what they can accomplish when they’re not all arguing. That particular episode is also a nice example of how the series occasionally dipped into Hawaiian history and culture as part of the plot. Did you know a ‘kahuna’ was a Hawaiian wise man or shaman? I didn’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the fact that Thomas Magnum lived the dream lifestyle, effort was made to reaffirm in almost every episode how poor he actually was. He was always in financial debt to Rick and TC and unlike later shows like Miami Vice<\/em> that also feature a crimebuster with a cool car, he didn’t possess a particularly extensive or expensive wardrobe. Or pet alligator or yacht. There’s a nice scene in Need To Know<\/em> (S1, E4) where Magnum has to borrow TC’s white dinner jacket. Magnum returns it after having it cleaned…and it’s shrunk. TC is understandably furious and Magnum laughs and runs off, providing the final moment of hilarity before the end credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the series, Magnum continues to be amazed that everyone is reluctant to lend him anything…and he still bitches and whines about it. All part of his charm, supposedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Never Again… Never Again<\/em> (S1, E6) we see for the first time Higgins showing a genuine sensitivity towards Magnum, which nicely reaffirms our suspicion that actually, against all odds, the two of them are secretly becoming friends. Naturally, they test this to its very limits in almost every episode. It’s difficult to determine who exactly is at fault, and that, possibly more than anything, is why the relationship never gets stale. Magnum undoubtedly acts like a spoilt brat, but he is staying at the Masters Estate as a guest of Robin, not Higgins, who is employed by Robin. Therefore, technically, Magnum doesn’t have to answer to Higgins, who is a little highly-strung. However, he could very easily extend more common courtesy than he does, in return for having access to the tennis courts, wine cellar, dark room, Ferrari and everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This relationship is slowly but steadily built upon throughout the entire series. When Magnum moves out of the Robin Masters estate in One More Summer<\/em> (S2, E16), Higgins at first celebrates the peace and quiet, but in a subtle manner, it’s fairly obvious he misses the company: like a parent, once the children have left for college. Magnum undeniably acknowledges what Higgins means to him in Past Tense<\/em> (S3, E4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the time we hit Under World<\/em> (S5, E4) the relationship between Magnum and Higgins and indeed Higgins and the rest of the gang is now pretty secure. Naturally, there are still arguments over the use of the tennis courts, unpaid bar tabs and so on, if there weren’t then it just wouldn’t be Magnum<\/em>…but, when Higgins is the one who \u2013 after hours of regaling the time he was in Suez in ’56 on a camel patrol, tracking down the Egyptian 3rd Division \u2013 finally coaxes TC out of his coma, it provides a touching moment and cements a bond between the two, even if they don’t realize it themselves. Actually, it’s interesting to see a stronger relationship develop over the course of time between TC and Higgins than Rick and Higgins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The married couple-like union between Higgins and Magnum is taken to its very limits in Paper War<\/em> (S7, E7) when the dueling duo more or less declare war on each other. This could have been very easily mishandled, but the end result is thoroughly entertaining and more importantly, within the contextual realms of believability. Acts of reprisal include a hilarious nod to the Godfather<\/em> (1972) when Higgins decapitates Magnum’s rubber chicken and leaves the head next to his pillow, Magnum fills the barrel of Higgins’ antique cannon with cement, Higgins donates all of Magnum’s belongings to charity and Magnum blows up Higgins’ River Kwai Bridge model. Magnum also accuses Higgins of secretly being Robin Masters…a theory that surprisingly holds some merit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Guest stars<\/strong>
Legendary 80s TV actor Lance LeGault pops up in Missing in Action<\/em> (S1 E8), the first of a total of 10 guest appearances in Magnum<\/em>, although after this episode he would instead play the reoccurring role of Colonel Buck Greene. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, his voice will almost certainly. LeGault appeared in virtually every TV series through the 80s, from Airwolf<\/em> to Automan<\/em> and Dallas<\/em> to Dynasty<\/em> and even Battlestar Galactica<\/em> to Buck Rogers<\/em>. He was also well known for playing Colonel Decker, the man hell-bent on recapturing the A-Team and always arriving just one minute too late to catch them at the end of every episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnum<\/em> was innovative television for a number of reasons, one of which was the often excellent casting of guest stars. An early example of this was Lest We Forget<\/em> (S1, E9) where both June Lockhart and Jose Ferrer play characters in the present day, and their actor offspring \u2013 June’s daughter Anne Lockhart, and Jose’s son Miguel Ferrer \u2013 play the same characters in 1941. A similar method is used in Let Me Hear The Music<\/em> (S5, E16) where Dennis Weaver and his son Rustin play the same character, present day and 45 years previously. Anne Lockhart also turns up in Flashback<\/em> (S3, E6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young Ted Danson meets his hilarious<\/span> unfortunate demise in Don’t Say Goodbye<\/em> (S1, E14) as he’s inadvertently diced by the propeller of a reversing boat. The mind-bogglingly gorgeous Erin Gray appears in J “Digger” Doyle<\/em> (S1, E16) in her natural brunette coloring. During the first season of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century <\/em>she’d been blonde. A native to Honolulu, Gray played the no-nonsense security consultant of the episode’s title and despite being able to repel the advances of our dashing detective to begin with, she couldn’t possibly resist forever.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Robin Master’s Estate at 41-505 Kalanianaole Highway, O’ahu. Honolulu and Pearl Harbor are also on this island<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Eighties TV tough-type, Tyne Daly, pops up in The Jororo Kill<\/em> (S2, E11) having carved out a name for herself in Cagney & Lacey<\/em>, this time she’s playing a former combat correspondent-turned-big-scoop reporter. Dick “Who?” Butkus and Pat Morita crop up in One More Summer<\/em> (S2, E16), the former \u2013 if you really<\/em> know your 80s TV \u2013 was in the ill-fated and not-that-good-anyway TV adaptation of Blue Thunder<\/em> (1983). He also pops up briefly in Any Given Sunday<\/em> (1999) and The Last Boy Scout<\/em> (1991). Pat Morita, we all<\/em> know, was Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid <\/em>(1984) \u2013 the original, not the pointless remake with that twat Smith kid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jean Bruce Scott, who is also the often-resented addition to the regular crew of Airwolf<\/em> in season 2, appears up in the season three opening two-parter Did You See the Sun Rise?<\/em> Semi-regular Ian McShane makes another attempt at the Emmy Award for Overacting in Black on White<\/em> (S3, E6) after first showing up in Skin Deep<\/em> (S1, E5). Nicholas Hammond, another 80s bit-part actor pops up in Foiled Again<\/em> (S3, E7). However, he did make a little-known but still significant contribution to modern pop-culture playing Peter Parker in the first serious attempt to bring Spider-Man to the screen in The Amazing Spider-Man<\/em><\/a> in the late 70s. Another Airwolf<\/em> alumni, Ernest Borgnine, pops up in an emotional aging-father-lost-son episode Mr White Death<\/em> (S3, E8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Star Trek<\/em>‘s James Doohan makes an appearance in The Big Blow<\/em> (S3, E19) and Orson Welles provides the voice for Robin Masters. He pops up again in Squeeze Play<\/em> (S4, E7) in his third visit to the estate and Eddie Deezen, best known for playing Eugene in Grease<\/em> and Malvin in WarGames<\/em> (1983), makes a guest appearance \u2013 he basically plays the same character in this episode. John Saxon guest stars in Jororo Farewell<\/em> (S4, E11) and while Rembrandt’s Girl<\/em> (S4, E14) is a mostly painful affair, it does feature two interesting guest stars; TC’s girlfriend Gloria played by Deborah Pratt was \u2013 at the time \u2013 married to Donald P. Bellisario. She also popped up from time to time in Airwolf<\/em>. And the token party girl with the horrendously awful English accent was an uncredited Jillie Mack, Tom Selleck’s wife from 1987 to the present day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The legendary Patrick Macnee guest stars up in the wonderful, slightly off-beat Sherlock Holmes-themed episode Holmes Is Where the Heart Is<\/em> (S4, E18), which is another great Higgins-centric story. Warwickshire-born June Chadwick pops up in Echoes of the Mind<\/em> (S5, E1 parts 1 & 2) right before her big TV break as the other half of the leading-lizard power struggle in V<\/em>, opposite Jane Badler. Cliff from Cheers<\/em>, otherwise known as John Ratzenberger, pops up as a reluctant kidnapper in The Legacy of Garwood Huddle<\/em> (S5, E3) and the surprising country singing talents of Dennis Weaver are showcased in Let Me Hear the Music<\/em> (S5, E16). The under-valued and enchanting Lee Purcell plays a slightly potty but passionate animal rights campaigner in Old Acquaintance<\/em> (S6, E2). Probably best known for playing Jan-Michael Vincent’s long-term partner, Peggy Gordon in Big Wednesday<\/em> \u2013 certainly his<\/em> finest moment \u2013 she popped up from time to time in other 80s TV series including, MacGyver<\/em>, Simon & Simon<\/em> and Murder, She Wrote<\/em>.  Annie Potts appears before and after her appearance in Ghostbusters<\/em> (1984) first in Legacy From a Friend<\/em> (S3, E18) which aired in October 1983 and later in AAPI<\/em> (S7, E4) which aired in October 1986. In the penultimate episode of season 7, The People vs. Orville Wright<\/em> (S7, E20) we get to see Ferris Bueller’s father (Lyman Ward) running around, shooting an UZI, which is little strange to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technicalities<\/strong>
The production values obviously increased as the series gained popularity and, for the most part, they were reasonable from the outset. Thankfully there was no need to reshow the same explosion from multiple angles throughout the same episode. Magnum’s Vietnam background played heavily in the pilot episode and continues intermittently through the entire series. We see from his uniform that he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy Cross and we later learn that he resigned his commission in 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Variations of Navy special forces can be traced back to underwater demolition teams in WWII, but SEALs as we know them today were officially born in 1961. Small numbers of SEALs were deployed as advisors to the South Vietnamese Army in 1962, but they would not engage in combat until 1966. Magnum graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967 and then served three tours. Known to the Viet Cong as ‘the men with green faces’, SEAL teams were typically used in guerrilla-style operations and as such were free to chose whatever weapons and equipment they wanted. Magnum is seen using a M16-A1 assault rifle with the larger, slightly curved, 30 round magazine that was introduced in 1969. This met with a mixed response from troops and many preferred the existing, smaller 20 round clip that is more commonly seen in movies, although the larger variation is used in Apocalypse Now<\/em> (1979).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a Vietnam flashback in the pilot episode Magnum is seen being extracted from a hot LZ  by a Bell 206 JetRanger with Marine Corp markings flown by TC and with Rick providing a lame attempt at suppressing fire. The JetRanger helicopter popped up almost everywhere in TV shows of the 80s and despite actually being in service during the Vietnam War, it was never used in combat missions. At a stretch, they could’ve shown a Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw as seen in Full Metal Jacket<\/em> (1987) and used by the USMC until it was replaced by the iconic UH-1, which would’ve been the most likely helicopter used. Budget restraints probably prevented this, for the pilot episode at least, since a few episodes later in Thicker Than Blood<\/em> (S1, E11) the production department utilized a US Coast Guard C-130, a Sikorsky HH-52A and most impressively, a Bell AH-1 Cobra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, the Vietnam-set second half of Full Metal Jacket<\/em> begins in Da Nang Air Base, which is where the Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2) unit was based for most of the Vietnam War. Magnum and TC are regularly seen wearing caps with “VMO-2 Da Nang” embroidered on them. The connection is never fully explained, however it’s assumed that TC and Rick both served in the VMO-2, since they were in the USMC. Moreover, that unit flew UH-1s as you’d expect and<\/em> AH-1G Cobras. In Thicker Than Blood<\/em> we learn than the reason TC is hellbent on helping heroin-head Joey Santino is that he saved TC’s life in Vietnam by pulling him out of the burning wreckage of a downed Cobra. Definitely no JetRangers though. Incidentally, TC flying a “busted up old Cobra” is also mentioned in passing in Did You See the Sun Rise?<\/em> (S3, E1, parts 1 & 2), so clearly there is some attempt at consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Magnum was a Navy SEAL, we can only assume that he, TC, Rick \u2013 and Felipe etc from the pilot episode\u2013 served in some kind of unique unit, made of handpicked men since it included members from multiple branches of the US military. And they all wore red berets. Then at some point this team adopted the Cross of Lorraine as a unifying emblem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every technical detail until now is just about hanging onto believability with its fingernails and The Last Page<\/em>  (S2, E19) is no exception. In another Vietnam flashback we see TC flying a UH-1 with very obvious Air Cavalry markings, Rick is the door gunner and during an exchange on the radio, the Da Nang airbase is mentioned and we even hear Magnum’s voice confirming their rendezvous time with him. However, we know this flashback is 1971 by way of a grave headstone seen a little later and that the UH-1 is actually full of US Marines, this and the fact that much of the Air Cavalry had withdrawn from South East Asia by the early 70s makes it possible, just about, with a leap of faith, that perhaps, maybe the redundant UH-1 was being borrowed<\/em> by the VMO-2 unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does seem weird though, that effort would’ve been made to paint that UH-1 with Air Cavalry markings and then show TC and Rick flying it. So you have to wonder whether such a specific detail was perhaps based on one of the writers or producers own experiences. Donald P. Bellisario did indeed serve in the USMC, but not during the Vietnam War. He was discharged as a Sergeant in 1959 after four years of service. Co-creator Glen A. Larson had no combat experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Season two<\/strong>
Congratulations to Magnum<\/em>, by making it to a second season it had already surpassed other (now cult) one-season wonders of the 80s, including Automan<\/em>, Manimal<\/em>, Blue Thunder, The Highwayman <\/em>and Street Hawk<\/em>. Bless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dead Man’s Channel<\/em> (S2, E2) sticks out as an early favourite, not only because the title sounds like an episode of Police Squad!<\/em> but it’s also the one with the underwater fight that features in the opening credits. In addition, the token damsel in distress, played by the lovely Wendy Girard, is actually able to resist Magnum’s charms, which is nice every once in a while. In addition, we get to hear Higgins, in a deadly serious tone, deliver the line, “I’ll give you and the goat 24 hours.” Magnum also makes a monumental goof<\/a> when he first goes diving by giving Rick a ‘thumbs up’ sign instead of an ‘OK’ sign and anyone with as much diving experience as a Navy SEAL would have, would not make that mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memories Are Forever<\/em> (S2, E5 parts 1 & 2) marks the point where the series ups its ante. Originally broadcast as a two-hour movie, but broken up into two parts for syndication runs, it becomes a little confusing as the IMDb considers this one episode, but Wikipedia calls it two. I’m inclined to agree with the latter. Regardless, in it we learn the story behind his wife in Vietnam, Michelle, a little more about the Cross of Lorraine symbol, plus Magnum is suddenly reactivated by the Navy and we’re introduced to Col. Buck Greene. Granted the plot plays out like Hot Shots! Part Deux<\/em> (1993) in places, but it does include some of the best interaction between Magnum and Higgins so far as we’re shown the real depth of their relationship for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time that Magnum<\/em> was made, the Vietnam War and its aftermath was still a controversial subject. According to the IMDb, Magnum, TC, and Rick have been cited as some of the first positive portrayals of Vietnam veterans on a network TV series. Trying to adapt to normal life in the US after a minimum of 12 months of jungle warfare was hard and there’s no better illustration of this than National Geographic’s excellent documentary Brothers in War<\/a><\/em>. Stepping off the plane, often within 24 hours of actual combat, many were faced with anti-war protesters who would jeer, spit and even throw garbage at returning troops. Amidst this chaos, confused and anxious soldiers hurriedly exited the airport, each making their way to a car, train or coach as all they could think about was getting home, to familiar territory, without realizing that they wouldn’t see their close friends again, until at the very least, many years later. Wave Goodbye<\/em> (S2, E7) is another example of how Magnum<\/em> took the Vietnam post traumatic stress disorder issue and faced it head on, which was a very brave, bold thing to do at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Survivor guilt from the war is a primary plot device in another powerful episode, The Last Page<\/em> (S2, E19). It even ends with a series of moving black and white stills of Vietnam flashbacks seen earlier in the episode with no sound. Of course Thomas Magnum is very fortunate; he and his best friends not only all made it all out of ‘Nam alive and without any serious mental or physical injury, but they stuck together, relocated to Hawaii and all landed on their feet in terms of post-war prospective careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By about a third of the way through season 2, we’re used to hearing Magnum speak of his ‘little voice’, representing his conscience and also his grand plans to one day write a book on ‘how to be a world class private investigator’. Tropical Madness<\/em> (S2, E6) is the very first time it’s mentioned and then from there it becomes a reoccurring Magnum-ism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A big part of Magnum’s appeal is…er, Magnum’s appeal; the guy can’t keep his hands off his clients \u2013 and they’re almost always helpless, vulnerable, attractive women. They’re powerless to resist as he wrestles them with his strong, manly grip and forcefully imposes himself with a passionate kiss in what would probably be today an almost certain sexual assault suit. In Tropical Madness<\/em> (S2, E6), Thomas, with his rampant libido, even tries to snog the woman that Higgins is keen on. What a bastard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, he’ll do<\/em> anything to<\/em> anything: animal, vegetable or mineral. Young girls or older women, no one is safe. In Double Jeopardy<\/em> (S2, E18) he cops off with the gorgeous \u2013 and a smidgen his senior \u2013 Dana Wynter, despite the fact that her husband is lying in a hospital bed with gun shot wounds. Clearly, Thomas has some oedipus issues he still needs to resolve. Later, in season three, the same actress plays an old flame of Higgins in Foiled Again<\/em> (S3, E7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional amusement could be added to any Magnum<\/em> marathon with friends and fellow fans by betting on whether or not he sleeps with each client\/helpless-vulnerable-attractive-woman as he frequently oh-so-kindly insists that they stay in Robin’s guesthouse because their own apartment is being watched or has been trashed or because they just feel slightly less helpless and vulnerable by staying there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sixth Position<\/em> (S2, E10) is notable for a few reasons: firstly TC shows off his passion for, and knowledge of, ballet. No, really. Magnum forces himself on a particularly feisty client and both Rick and Higgins give Magnum a welcome, long overdue taste of his own one-sided ask-a-favour attitude. Despite all his shortcomings, we want Magnum to solve the case and beat the bad guys. We want his friends to help him because there’s usually a more important issue at hand than an outstanding bar tab or bill for a replacement cockpit window. But most importantly, we want Magnum to become a better person. The lost-camera-lens-subplot of this episode is probably the best example yet of Magnum getting his comeuppance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a doubt, the best episode by this point that really shows the bond between all the principal characters is Computer Date<\/em> (S2, E13). Not only do Magnum and Higgins go the entire length of the episode without arguing, but they both lean heavily on each other to deal with this episode’s respective personal dilemmas. In fact, the following episode, Try To Remember<\/em> (S2, E14) also heavily focuses on the relationship between Magnum and Higgins as Thomas recovers from a very serious car crash. In a truly wonderful scene, Magnum reluctantly agrees to be hypnotized by Higgins in an attempt to find out what happened on the night of the crash, since he’s had some memory loss following the accident. Whilst under hypnosis, Magnum admits to how he managed to sneak into the wine cellar and steal a 1966 Chateau Margaux. It also marks the first time we see Magnum’s rubber chicken and we’re introduced to Lieutenant Tanaka of Hawaii PD Homicide Division who gradually becomes a well-liked reoccurring character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas Lightning<\/em> (S2, E17) introduces the antagonist in a particularly sick scene that has him practicing his aim with a shotgun on the deck of his yacht as live pigeons are deliberately thrown into the air for him to shoot. We also learn about Higgin’s Law (opportunity + Magnum = financial disaster) a wonderful concept that sadly is never mentioned again. The full potential of John Hillerman \u2013 lest we forget he was in Blazing Saddles<\/em> (1974) \u2013 <\/em>begins to show through towards the end of season two. In particular, The Elmo Ziller Story<\/em> (S2, E20) he plays for the first time one of his wonderful…distant relative roles that pop up later on in the series. This time it’s Elmo Ziller, Higgins’ illegitimate half-brother from Texas. The irony is of course that Hillerman is actually from Texas. Bizarrely though, if you look on YouTube<\/a> for some snippets of him talking in his natural accent, he does actually sound mostly British, with an occasional southern slip, so to speak. Almost like an English expat who’d perhaps lived in the Lone Star State for an extended time, say 15 or 20 years. In the same episode, Gillian Dobb turns up playing the receptionist of an exclusive country club. She of course plays the reoccurring character Agatha Chumley, Higgins’ quintessentially English lady friend later in the series. Her name isn’t mentioned in this early cameo, so it’s not known whether she’s Agatha already at this point, however she is officially Agatha a few episodes later in Black on White<\/em> (S3, E5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Donald P Bellisario makes a cameo appearance as an apathetic desk clerk of a particularly seedy motel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Season four<\/strong>
Finally, it’s here; season four starts strong straight away with what is widely regarded as the single best ever episode, Home From the Sea.<\/em> Without giving too much away, it reaffirms beyond any doubt the strong bond that now exists between Magnum, Higgins, TC and Rick. Robert Pine \u2013 probably best known for his role in CHiPs<\/em> and being the father of Kelvin Timeline Captain Kirk, Chris Pine \u2013 plays Magnum’s father in this episode, a Navy pilot soon to be shipped out to fight the Korean war. Both Tom Selleck and Donald P Bellisario have remarked that this is their favorite episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next episode is another memorable one and falls into the either-love-it-or-hate-it category. The oddly titled Luther Gillis: File #521<\/em> (S4, E2) introduces us to the fast-talking, 50s-style, trilby-wearing, shoot-from-the-hip gumshoe private detective Luther Gillis, who will ultimately appear in four more episodes. The following two episodes are both very Rick-centric, the first Smaller Than Life<\/em> (S4, E3) is a little like something out of Time Bandits<\/em> and the second, Distant Relative<\/em> (S4, E4) Rick goes all Rambo after his sister is murdered and demonstrates he is possibly the worst aim of any Huey door gunner the world. There is however, a quite emotional scene between Higgins and Magnum, which will almost certainly put a lump in your throat. The relationship between Magnum and Higgins continues to strengthen in Letter to a Duchess<\/em> (S4, E6) and not only is this one of the most appealing, ongoing story elements of the show, but also testament to the fact that the series has matured. When the love interest of Higgins throws herself at Magnum, he actually behaves responsibly, not like Tropical Madness<\/em> (S2, E6) when he actually cops off with the romantic interest of poor Higgins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We get another TC-centered story in A Sense of Debt<\/em> (S4, E8) in which Higgins and TC bond a little more. We also hear more about an incident in the Vietnam War when TC is pulled from a crashed chopper, although it’s not clear if this is the same incident mentioned in Thicker Than Blood<\/em> (S1, E11) plus a very young Shannen Doherty makes an early-career appearance in this episode. In my personal opinion, the bonding between TC and Higgins is almost as entertaining and second only to the relationship between Magnum and Higgins and this season contains some great examples. Operation: Silent Night<\/em> (S4, E10) is another wonderful episode and sees our quirky quartet stranded on a remote island used for Navy target practice on Christmas Eve. Both Larry Manetti and Roger E Mosley have said that this is their favorite Magnum, PI<\/em> episode and aside from some sentimental seasonal bonding, we get to watch Higgins make a sailboat out of the fuselage of an old WWII Japanese reconnaissance plane in a Flight of the Phoenix<\/em>-style subplot. Rick even references the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The theatrical antics associated with anything Robin Masters continues in The Case of the Red Faced Thespian<\/em> (S4, E12). Only hours before a lavish Great Gatsby<\/em>-themed costume ball to be held at Robin’s Nest begins and in a serious case of over-acting Higgins is struck on the head with a stray croquet ball, believes himself to be a thespian actor and finds himself the prime suspect in the murder of one of the guests. You can’t help but wonder if perhaps Donald P. Bellisario saw a little of Robin Masters in himself. Notable guest include Ronald Lacey, the memorable melting-face Nazi from Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em>, June Chadwick, a British actress who was in the original series of V<\/em> and Laurette Spang, who you might recognize from the 70s Battlestar Galactica<\/em>. Lacey actually plays a character called Lowell Xavier Jameson (aka “Archer Hayes”) who was the original majordomo of the estate, fired by Robin Masters and replaced with Higgins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly soon, we get another TC-centric story with Paradise Blues<\/em> (S4, E15) that has some great Vietnam flashbacks and a quite unexpected, quite dark conclusion. On Face Value<\/em> (S4, E19) is both interesting and infuriating, like oh-so-many episodes. Firstly the reoccurring character Carol Baldwin, an assistant district attorney, is the only one who can manipulate Magnum as much as he manages to do to other people and in fact she happily mentions this just a few episodes earlier in No More Mr Nice Guy<\/em> (S4, E13). Carol enlists Magnum’s help in a “simple surveillance job” although how the bloody blazes Magnum ever survived three tours of duty in Vietnam is difficult to comprehend. Navy SEALs specialize in covert warfare, just watch Act of Valor<\/em>. Camouflage, stealth…the art of concealment. So what does our simpleminded sleuth do? He stands, upright, next to the bright red Ferrari, parked on an open road and clearly visible to anyone below, actually in the private grounds he’s meant to be observing. It’s no surprise then he gets spotted, his casual approach aggrandized further as the sun reflects off his camera lens. What a tool. Or, maybe it’s lazy writing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Season five<\/strong>
Season four opts for a light-hearted ending with a tongue-in-cheek variation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic 1950 film Rashomon<\/em>, based around conflicting witness accounts and season five straight away launches with a strong opener Echoes of the Mind <\/em>(S5, E1, parts 1 & 2). This is an interesting episode for a number of reasons and it’s immediately evident that the production budgets have been increased. From the outset it feels a little different as a Porsche 911 turbo races along rain-soaked roads at night to the tune of the Blade Runner<\/em> end title music by Vangelis, just moments before it gets driven off a cliff. Sharon Stone guest stars as the bonkers blonde bombshell behind the wheel at a point where her career was just beginning to gather momentum. Along with a more audacious plot, this episode is just one of the indications that the ante has evidently been upped. The Higgins-focussed sub-plot is a bit weak, but this two-parter sees the relationship between Higgins and Magnum grow even stronger and gives us some entertaining Fight Club<\/em>-esque themes \u2013 even a similar ending of sorts \u2013 15 years before Tyler Durden appeared on cinema screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s great is that the very next episode, Mac’s Back<\/em> (S5, E2) follows directly on after the events of the Echoes of the Mind <\/em>two-parter. Consequently, without giving too much away, we get to see Magnum probably at his lowest ever. He’s off the rails a bit and sports the scraggy hair and beard as the losses of many of those he’s cared about begin to mount up, adding a whole new dimension to his character. Sadly though, what could’ve been a fascinating journey through the darkest corners of Magnum’s subconscious instead turns into a slapstick comedy caper.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Magnum goes dark, albeit for a short while in Mac’s Back<\/em> (S5, E2)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Another interesting and unexpected episode is Blind Justice<\/em> (S5, E6) where Magnum is hired by Carol to help find evidence to convict a wife-beating husband of murder. Along the way, Magnum finds evidence that the suspect isn’t guilty of this<\/em> murder…but is<\/em> guilty of a previous murder that he was cleared of a few years ago, presenting our plucky private eye with a considerable ethical quandary. Combined with some witty and well-written dialogue, this makes for a compelling episode, which is more than can be said about the next one, Murder 101<\/em> (S5, E7). Magnum basically proves he should stick to being a private investigator and forget trying to be a educator. Yeah, feel free to skip this one. The subsequent episode Tran Quoc Jones<\/em> (S5, E8) follows Magnum’s efforts to find a young American\/Asian boy’s long lost father. What’s interesting about this episode is that it’s more or less the back story of Short Round from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom<\/em>. The kid looks identical, is about the same age, of similar American\/Asian decent and he’s grown up on the streets pulling scams to survive. Add to which the air date of this episode is November 1984 and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom<\/em> was released in May of 1984…plus we know that Magnum, PI<\/em> and the Indiana Jones movies have links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luther Gillis is a little like Marmite, you either love him or hate him and he makes his almost routine seasonal appearance in Luther Gillis: File #001<\/em> (S5, E9). In a similar manner to Flashback<\/em> (S3, E6) Magnum, PI<\/em> dives into the realms of fantasy in Kiss of the Sabre<\/em> (S5, E10) in which events unfold through the perspective of a pulp detective story, being written by a guest of Robin Masters. It’s quite amusing and worth a watch just to see the late, great Paul Gleason act out the part of a French Interpol agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By now, the reoccurring Mac replacement is firmly established. Actor Jeff MacKay had close ties to Bellisario having appeared in Black Sheep Squadron<\/em>. He left Magnum, PI<\/em> to co-star in Tales of the Gold Monkey<\/em>, another Bellisario production that was heavily influenced by the cinematic success of Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em>. However, it was cancelled after just one season, so Mac-lookalike Jim Bonnick was created and Magnum even insists on referring to him by the name of his dead friend. Little Games<\/em> (S5, E11) is almost a cross between Sneakers<\/em> and The Pink Panther<\/em>. Our mustache-sporting stud-muffin gets to lock lips with the angelic Jenny Agutter, arguably the most gorgeous woman who ever walked the Earth and the legendary Cesar Romero even gets a whole four minutes of screen time. The plot of this episode would be utterly redundant if Magnum had only thought to switch Robin Master’s computer system off and on again, instead he is forced to enlist the help of the mischievous Mac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Jonathan Higgins<\/em> (S5, E12) is a parody of both George Bernard Shaw’s classic play Pygmalion<\/em> \u2013 the protagonist of that play is Professor Henry Higgins \u2013 and the better known Lerner and Loewe musical adaption My Fair Lady<\/em>. Needless to say, if you’re British, the cockney accent put on by Jillie “Mrs Selleck” Mack is positively excruciating, much like it was in Rembrandt’s Girl<\/em> (S4, E14). The episode Compulsion<\/em> (S5, E13) has Magnum protecting Carol after she’s threatened by a stalker. She even propositions him with a seductive look and a glance to the bedroom before he retires to the sofa like the unswerving knight in shining armor he is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This episode also features one of my most favourite moments in the entire series of Magnum, PI<\/em> \u2013 although sadly it’s not really used to its full potential. The secondary plot has Higgins dealing with the quandary of maintaining the lie to his old Sandhurst chums that he is in fact the owner of the Robin’s Nest estate and Magnum, Rick and TC go out of their way, without being asked, to reinforce the illusion. Thomas becomes the butler, Rick takes on the duties of head chef and TC of course becomes Higgins’ personal chopper pilot. The look of overwhelming emotion of Higgins’ face is enough to bring a tear to your eye and from this moment forth the viewer knows, without any shred of doubt, that any argument about using the Ferrari or losing a camera lens is purely superficial and their friendship has an unshakeable, rock-solid foundation. (This is even further reinforced in the next episode.) David Hemmings pops up and despite probably being better known these days for big-budget roles in movies like Gladiator<\/em>, the British actor was actually quite involved in the 80s TV scene, both in front and behind the camera. Not only did he play Dr Charles Henry Moffet, the psychopathic genius who designed Airwolf<\/em>, but he also directed a number of episodes of Airwolf<\/em>, The A-Team<\/em> and Magnum, PI<\/em> including this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s clear that Mr Bellisario was heavily influenced by movies of the time. Writers all over Hollywood were ripping off<\/span> adapting ideas and applying them to television. Airwolf<\/em> wouldn’t have existed without Blue Thunder<\/em>. Automan<\/em> had nothing to do with Tron<\/em> I’m sure. Tales of the Gold Monkey<\/em> and Bring ‘Em Back Alive<\/em> were both heavily influenced by the Indiana Jones movies…and so on. The only two-part episode of this season, All For One<\/em> (S5, E14, parts 1 & 2) shares a similar “return to ‘Nam” theme common in many movies of the time. Robert Forster guest stars as a former Vietnam War buddy who drags Magnum, TC and Rick back to South East Asia to rescue another POW buddy. While this episode could’ve been quite formulaic, what makes it so entertaining is that not only do we get to see Magnum in full camouflage, shooting a HK MP-5SD3 modern day Navy SEAL assault rifle, but Higgins insists on coming along and consequently saves Rick’s life. Ultimately, as the plot unfolds, the four of them are forced to engage in heated combat in the Cambodian jungle, thus cementing their camaraderie frankly, for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost predictably, the relatively gritty and action-packed All For One <\/em>two-parter is followed by the absurd The Love-For-Sale Boat<\/em> (S5, E16) featuring the annoying Mac character who, for some reason, people still seem to give the time of day to, despite the fact that he happily double-crosses everyone at every opportunity. Another contender for Top 5 Worst Episodes right here. The next few are a mixed bag of overacting, underacting and absurd plots and characters, including the possible creator of Skynet in Ms Jones<\/em> (S5, E18). The Man From Marseilles<\/em> (S5, E18) is not without its flaws, but it has some interesting undertones, plus Magnum has to sing karaoke and looks as uncomfortable doing it as we are watching it. The subsequent Torah, Torah, Torah<\/em> (S5, E19) is fun but farfetched and in the final\u00e9 of this season, A Pretty Good Dancing Chicken<\/em> (S5, E20) we get to see Magnum deliberately put in prison in order to find Carol’s missing cousin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Season six<\/strong>
The opening credits for this season has added a few more clips for each character as they’re introduced, Magnum paddling hard on his surf ski, Higgins looking quizzically at Magnum’s rubber chicken, TC standing next to his chopper smiling, Rick jumping throw a window in Marine ODs spraying an Uzi…that sort of thing and again, a feature-length episode opens this new season \u2013 although not technically a two-parter. Despite using that psychic-PI, id-based-investigation plot device that Magnum, PI<\/em> relies on from time to time, this has unexpectedly found itself in my list of top 10 episodes. Deja Vu<\/em> (S6, E1, parts 1 & 2) is a full-on Brit-fest set in locations around London circa 1985 and Buckinghamshire, including Marylebone Station, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Lancaster Gate. It’s actually really fun to see the old trains with the doors that you had to open by sliding down the window with sheer brute force and reaching outside to twist the handle. The primary plot and both the Higgins and TC sub-plots are engaging and well-written and there’s an entertaining twist at the end. A medley of guest British actors includes Peter Davison, Julian I-only-play-bad-guys<\/em> Glover and the mind-meltingly sensual Francesca Annis. Through a couple of brief flashbacks we also get to see Magnum serving with a different unit in Vietnam than the VMO-2 Da Nang team of TC, Rick, etc. Here he’s working with some sort of black ops assassination squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because this episode was aired as a feature length, not strictly speaking a two-parter, there’s a little confusion of wether to call the next episode Old Acquaintance<\/em>, episode two or three. IMDb<\/a> says two and Magnum Mania<\/a> says three. However, we’re in agreement with the former. In a plot reminiscent of the 1973 movie The Day of the Dolphin<\/em> starring George C. Scott, Paul Sorvino and Fritz Weaver and the 1978 Wonder Woman episode The Deadly Dolphin<\/em>, an old friend from Magnum’s high school days, needs his help to track down a stolen dolphin that has been loaded with explosives to blow up the private yacht of a visiting overseas dignitary. It’s a little absurd, but there’s a few interesting things to take note of. We’re introduced to TC’s friend Rodney Radcliff, the man who designed the Island Hoppers logo and did the custom paint jobs on the chopper and van. He’s a great character, played by Lee de Broux \u2013 probably best know for playing the cocaine kingpin Sal in RoboCop<\/em> (1987). It’s a damn shame Rodney wasn’t used in any more episodes. We also get to see a real life college yearbook photo of Tom Selleck circa 1963.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our ditzy, dimpled detective continues to be a magnet for raving mad redheads, bonkers brunettes and bunny-boiling blondes as we see in The Kona Winds<\/em> (S6, E3). Alongside the main plot, it’s fun to watch Higgins and Magnum prepare the estate for a tropical storm that’s heading for Hawaii. The Hotel Dick<\/em> (season 6, episode 4) guest stars Candy Clark, who also co-starred in the epic American Graffiti<\/em> and received an Academy Award nomination for her efforts. In essence, Magnum is trying his hand at a ‘staff job’, a more stable alternative to the often unpredictable and irregular work that comes with self-employment. He’s an in-house detective for a hotel and almost straight away we see him clash with the hotel manager played with relish by Granville Van Dusen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Season six is full of surprises, successfully keeping the series fresh, plus Magnum isn’t trying quite so hard to shag everything in sight. Going Home<\/em> (S6, E6) was just one of many episodes I’d never seen before embarking on this Magnum, PI<\/em> magnum opus and it’s my new all-time favourite episode, knocking Home From the Sea<\/em> (S4, E1) into second place. Interestingly, Going Home<\/em> also deals with Magnum’s family life, this time Thomas returns home to Tidewater, Virginia after 13 years away to attend the funeral of his grandfather and deals with some very personal family issues while he’s there. Have a box of tissues on standby because by the end, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be blubbing like a baby. This is beautifully written episode, that sadly doesn’t include any of the rest of the gang, but a little break every now is not such a bad thing. There’s a truly wonderful scene where Magnum’s old school friend (played by Joe Regalbuto, who among other things starred in another 80s one-season wonder, Street Hawk<\/em>) takes him to a high-school reunion that’s been organized purely for Magnum’s return! And everyone there has big print outs of their yearbook photographs. We see Magnum hanging with his old school buddies…it’s really beautiful. We also learn that after Magnum’s father’s death, which we saw in Home From the Sea, <\/em>his mum remarried and Thomas acquired a step-brother. At the end Magnum says goodbye to his grandfather and visits the Vietnam War memorial in Washington DC on his way back to Hawaii. It’s quite emotional, which is credit to the episode being very well written and produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following that unexpected and extremely moving episode, we return to something a little more light-hearted with Paniolo<\/em> (S6, E7), which means ‘Hawaiian cowboy’ or ‘chief ranch hand’ and while it’s not as daft as some episodes have been, it does have a little bit of an A-Team<\/em> helping-needy-folk feel to it. Still, it’s quite watchable as we get to see Magnum chase cattle rustlers and co-star Henry Darrow is in almost every scene. Henry is probably best remembered for his role as Manolito Montoya in the 1960s Western-themed television series The High Chaparral<\/em> and was the first Latino actor to portray Zorro on television. Magnum also quotes his rate as $200 per diem plus expenses, which equates to over $460 in today’s money. That’s pretty damn good \u2013 that’s an annual salary of just under $120k! (If he works 40 hours per week.) We know Magnum’s experiences have evolved into a savior complex, but even when he’s not offering his services out of sympathy, you have to wonder either how little work he gets or how quickly he blows all his cash if he charges that much and still never has any money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up is The Treasure of Kalaniopu’u<\/em> (S6, E8) which has more than a passing resemblance to It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World<\/em> starring Spencer Tracy and has every character running amok around the island in a Robin Masters-funded treasure hunt for $1million. While it’s not as bad as  The Ugliest Dog in Hawaii <\/em>(S1, E7) the incessant screaming of Nancy Stafford’s character is enough to put this one in the Top Five Worst Episodes list. What follows is a bit of a mixed bag; in Blood and Honor<\/em> (S6, E9) Magnum gets reactivated by the Navy to conduct a molehunt as a favour to his former commanding officer and old friend Admiral Hawkes, who also appeared in Did You See the Sun Rise?<\/em> (S3, E1, parts 1 & 2). Magnum sees a young boy swimming without any Scuba gear while diving with TC in Rapture<\/em> (S6, E10), which leads him to uncover the truth about the boy’s murder. Despite some low-budget production values, I Never Wanted to Go to France, Anyway…<\/em> (S6, E11) shows another welcome instance where Higgins and Magnum further strengthen the bond of their friendship. Summer School<\/em> (S6, E12) grates a little and guest stars the young Tate Donovan \u2013 who will later star in many good TV shows and movies including, 24<\/em>, Argo<\/em> and The Man in the High Castle \u2013 <\/em>as Robin Master’s young, spoilt nephew in desperate need of some discipline and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quite possibly the episode with the highest body count is Mad Dogs and Englishmen<\/em> (S6, E13) where the end looks like Hot Shots Part Deux, <\/em>with Magnum, Rick, TC and Higgins using everything from UZIs, MP5s, a .50 cal mounted machine gun and an anti-tank launcher to wipe out dozens of guerilla troops. A good site that details most of the weapons seen throughout Magnum, PI<\/em> \u2013 and many other movies and TV shows \u2013 is the IMFDb<\/a>. Despite an absurdly condensed plot, this episode does feature some nice moments between Higgins and Magnum and even Zeus and Apollo. In fact, there’s even some emotion concerning Apollo in the next episode All Thieves on Deck<\/em> (S6, E14) as the devoted doberman gets shot by some cowardly crooks that break into the estate. What follows is a moderately ridiculous, but still watchable Murder, She Wrote<\/em> meets The Love Boat<\/em>-style caper. Next up is another absurd offering called This Island Isn’t Big Enough…<\/em> (S6, E15) where Rick goes missing from the King Kamehameha Club yacht. Clyde Kusatsu, who has appeared in quite literally hundreds of movies and TV shows having successfully carved a niche for himself playing minor characters of Asian decent, plays a Hawaiian PD detective with a John Wayne fixation and you can’t help but wonder if this was an experiment to see if he might be more of a reoccurring character is later episodes. Thank God, he wasn’t. We also learn Ice Pick’s real name \u2013 Francis Hofstetler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice Pick incidentally pops up in a smart-looking suit and pays a visit to see Magnum in the hospital in Way of the Stalking Horse<\/em> (S6, E16) far from his natural environment \u2013 the sauna \u2013 and we get just a little insight to his heavily mafia-linked past. Aside from a few glossed over details, this is a return to Magnum<\/em> at its almost-best. This episode might not make the Top 10, but it only just misses out. Instead of the usual slight scratch Magnum might get when he’s been shot previously, in this episode we see him rushed to hospital and the staff actually working to save his life in a well-filmed, dramatic scene that could very well come straight from ER<\/em> or Casualty<\/em>. Later, with his voiceover, he talks about the psychology of recovering in a powerful monologue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“After the first time I was wounded in Vietnam, I’d noticed a weird series of reactions to being shot. I’d wondered if anybody had ever written them down like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ Stages of Death<\/em>. First, there’s denial. Then comes a giddy kind of relief, shock and surprise at still being alive. All the senses working together in Technicolor and hi-fi at the joy of actually having survived. And then, the paranoia sets in. If it’s happened once, it can happen again. Suddenly, every sound is an approaching enemy, every smell a lethal gas, and no way of knowing whether it’s a mind game, or a clear and present danger. And no way of stoping the heart racing, the palms sweating, until the paranoia stage has slipped into revenge.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Me a Rainbow<\/em> (S6, E17) drags a bit, but the unfathomably long titled Who is Don Luis Higgins… and Why is He Doing These Terrible Things to Me?<\/em> (S6, E18) is quite entertaining. Following in the footsteps of  Elmo Ziller and Father Paddy McGuiness, John Hillerman plays the final Higgins’ estranged half-brother, Don Luis Mongueo, from the fictional South American country of Costa De Rosa. Hillerman struggles somewhat with the Spanish accent and sounds like he slips back to Irish on more than one occasion. The penultimate offering of season 6, A Little Bit of Luck… A Little Bit of Grief<\/em> (season 6, episode 18) comes with a double helping of cheese and is a Rick-centric, Casablanca<\/em>-esque episode, so no surprise there. We do get to see Ice Pick affirm his affection of Rick when, expressing concern about some unsavory characters during a high-stakes poker game, he tells Rick “…I love you like a son. Be careful.” Plus, possibly the single most surprising guest star in the whole 8 seasons of Magnum, PI<\/em> pops up here…Bruce Forsyth of all people! He plays a game show host where Rick wins a cool $1 million setting up the rest of the episode’s events. Sadly, season 6 ends more on a whimper than a bang with Photo Play<\/em> (S6, E20) as Magnum gets lumped with helping an extremely annoying wannabe author who’s being chased by a couple of hoodlums. A couple of fun things to note in this episode is that future Academy Award-nominated actor James Cromwell makes a brief uncredited appearance in the opening scene as a French policeman and Higgins uses a Sony Betamax video recorder and as this point, October 1986, Sony’s superior Beta was losing badly in the first Format War to JVC’s VHS tape system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Season seven<\/strong>
The seventh season was originally intended to be the last, but more about that later. As usual this season opens with a two-parter that originally aired in October 1986 as one feature-length episode however, but it’s broken into two for syndication airings and re-runs. The simply titled LA <\/em>(S7, E1, parts 1 & 2) has Magnum visiting the City of Angels and inadvertently stumbling into a drug-related murder spree. It’s fun to see some of the shooting locations, like the Ocean Front Walk in Venice circa 1986. Interestingly, the opening credits haven’t changed and remain the same from the previous season and there’s a gorgeous throwback to the very first episode when Magnum tries to focus by saying to to himself, “Don’t look at the dogs, work the lock” (while being chased by dogs) just like he does in Don’t Eat the Snow in Hawaii<\/em> (S1, E1). Alfonso Ribeiro pops up as one of the players on TC’s baseball team who witnesses his friends being shot dead after stealing a car. Ribeiro of course became a household name playing Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air<\/em> from 1990-96. It also co-stars Dana Delany, who played Kurt Russell’s love interest in the excellent Tombstone<\/em> (1993). In fact, despite a serious conflict of interest, Magnum asks her to marry him!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Picture is Worth<\/em> (S7, E2) starts with a particularly gruesome bank heist where the robber blows away everyone in the bank with a shotgun even after getting the money. Carol Baldwin pops up again and again beautifully mirrors the manipulation Magnum tries on others by doing exactly the same thing to him. It’s nice that even with different writers and directors for different episodes, certain elements have been kept consistent. Interestingly, Carol also seems to have a big rock on her wedding finger, but no mention is made. In addition, no mention is made in this episode of the quite significant events of the previous one, namely Magnum nearly getting married. By now, the majority of Magnum, PI<\/em> has settled into a formulaic affair, which is why most episodes that break from this routine stand out. Straight and Narrow<\/em> (S7, E3) more or less follows the familiar theme and guest stars Candy Clark, last seen in  The Hotel Dick<\/em> (S6, E4), but thankfully she’s playing the same character and the events of that episode are mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Jessica
Cult crime-busting cross-over, Jessica Fletcher meets Thomas Magnum<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you find any of the clich\u00e9d crimebusters that have appeared so far in Magnum<\/em> annoying, you might want to skip AAPI<\/em> (S7, E4) as they all<\/em> appear in this one. There’s Luther Gillis, Tracy Spenser \u2013 played by Annie Potts and last seen in Legacy From a Friend<\/em> (S3, E18), HPD Detective Katsumoto \u2013 the one with a John Wayne fixation and Detective Jean Claude Fornier, played by Paul Verdier and last seen in The Man From Marseilles<\/em> (S5, E18) where Magnum sings shockingly bad karaoke. In fact, reference is made to this as Fornier gets murdered at a private investigator’s convention, hence all these extremely annoying characters in one place. Interestingly, Stephen J. Cannell, close friend of Donald P. Bellisario, fellow 80s TV pioneer and the man who gave the world The Rockford Files<\/em>, 21 Jump Street<\/em> and The A-Team<\/em>, appears as a hotel detective, before he gets added to the body count. Tom Selleck’s first episode as producer is Death and Taxes<\/em> (S7, E5) and the influence of Miami Vice<\/em>, which by this point was well into season 3, is pretty obvious. It has many night scenes, a freaky serial killer, gritty feel, a modern, synth-driven score and even song-length musical scenes featuring the music of Genesis! Granted, it’s used to great effect in a sequence shot with Magnum searching for the serial killer’s next victim. To add to the deep, dark plot line, it’s set around the fourth of July weekend, which of course is when Magnum sets off for his annual surfski of solitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing that in the early stages of writing and production everyone involved thought this was going to be the last series, it becomes a little easier to see some of the choices behind the episodes. Little Girl Who<\/em> (S7, E6) features the return of  Magnum’s ex-wife, Michelle…and her daughter, Lily Catherine, who may or may not be Magnum’s daughter. Incidentally, this particular plot line formed the basis of the apparent reboot<\/a> of Magnum, PI<\/em>, announced last year, which would apparently focus on Magnum’s daughter. Whether anything comes of that, remains to be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In only the second example of a crossover in the Magnum PI<\/em> Extended Universe, our permanently penniless private eye pairs up with Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, from Murder, She Wrote<\/em>. The first was Ki’i’s Don’t Lie (<\/em>S3, E2) which, like this episode, is technically a two-parter, but the second part is concluded as an episode of the crossed over series. So, like Ki’i’s Don’t Lie \u2013 <\/em>where you had to watch Simon & Simon<\/em> season 2, episode 1 to find out what happened \u2013 with Novel Connection<\/em> (S7, E8) you have to watch Murder, She Wrote<\/em>, season 3, episode 8, Magnum on Ice<\/em>. Just in case you weren’t confused enough, a new ending was filmed for syndication to make it a single, stand alone, episode. The Magnum, PI \u2013 Complete Seventh Season<\/em> DVD includes only the original version (along with the Murder, She Wrote<\/em> crossover episode), not the syndicated version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnum does a John Book in Kapu<\/em> (S7, E9) an episode clearly influenced by the movie Witness<\/em> (1985) in which our indomitable investigator is injured and taken to a Hawaiian island where outsiders are forbidden after saving a young, Hawaiian native girl from being shot because she herself witnessed a murder while visiting the mainland. During his recovery, Magnum eventually wins the trust of the tribe and helps out with fishing, net making and all the usual chores that need to be done. You almost hope he’s going to help build a barn, but alas, these particular Polynesians don’t seem to have much use for one. Roger Mosley co-write the next episode Missing Melody<\/em> (S7, E10) in which we learn for the first time that TC has an ex-wife, a son and a daughter \u2013 who gets kidnapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The high quality benchmark set by season six continues into season seven \u2013 however, six still remains the best thus far. Death of the Flowers<\/em> (S7, E11) is a moving episode that centers around both Carol Baldwin and Ice Pick, of all characters. In this episode we learn that both of Rick’s parents were killed in a car accident when he was just 12 and Chicago crime boss Francis Hofstetler unofficially adopted him and even pulled strings to get Rick into military academy. It might have been nice to have learnt this some time ago, so it didn’t just seem like Rick was a wannabe wiseguy, but instead had a genuine, emotional connection to this elderly ex-con. Higgins goes full John Rambo in Autumn Warrior<\/em> (S7, E11) and we return to the American film noir style we’ve seen once or twice in the past for the Sam Spade-inspired, 1940s-era episode Murder by Night<\/em> (S7, E12), which features an amusing twist at the end and even a self-referencing joke midway through the credits as Tom Selleck chokes after taking a drag from his cigarette, looks at the camera, then puts it out, since in this episode his character smokes almost all the time and Selleck doesn’t smoke cigarettes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All-round chaos ensues in On the Fly<\/em> (S7, E12) as a dramatic last stand is mounted at the Robin Masters estate, Magnum has to land a plane and manages to seduce a beautiful woman while gorging on pepperoni pizza. Solo Flight<\/em> (S7, E13) is a pretty lame attempt to recreate something similar to Home From the Sea<\/em> (S4, E1) but Forty<\/em> (S7, E14) is quite entertaining. In it, Magnum celebrates his 40th birthday even though his actual age and birthday frequently change throughout the series \u2013 Selleck himself was 42 when this episode aired. While on a case, he basically stalks a very attractive, young news reporter played by Patrice Martinez, fresh from her success in the \u00a1Three Amigos!<\/em> but before she appeared in Beetlejuice<\/em>. He’d more than likely be labeled as a sexual predator if he tried any of this today. It also guest stars celebrated Asian-American actor James Hong, who’s been in countless movies and TV shows, but you might recognize as the “eyes, I just do eyes” guy from Blade Runner<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season continues to show evidence of influence from more gritty cop dramas, particularly Miami Vice<\/em> and Laura<\/em> (S7, E15) is another such example, complete with Genesis soundtrack. However, what makes this episode arguably stand out more than Death and Taxes<\/em> (S7, E5) is the guest star, none other than Frank Sinatra, playing a hard-ass retired New York cop. Sinatra was no softy, he was the first choice to play the title role in Dirty Harry<\/em> (1971), but broke his finger before shooting started and had to bow out of the production. Coincidentally, Kevyn Major Howard, who plays this episode’s bad guy also had a brief appearance in Sudden Impact<\/em> (1983) and was on the receiving end of Harry Callahan’s awesome “dog shit” speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the pre-opening credits Out of Sync<\/em> (S7, E16) episode looks interesting and it doesn’t disappoint. Unusually and quite effectively, it features a nonlinear, on camera, narration from Magnum as he talks to the audience throughout the episode after the main events of the story have concluded (for him). Dana Delany returns as Cynthia Farrell, the woman Magnum proposed to in the season 7 two-part opener, LA<\/em>. David Hemmings also makes another appearance, but playing a completely different character than he did in Compulsion<\/em> (S5, E13). After seven seasons, the characters are of course completely established and with the minor exception of one or two episodes \u2013 like Missing Melody<\/em> (S7, E10) where we learn that TC actually has an ex-wife, a son and a daughter \u2013 there aren’t too many surprises. What’s also really nice is that Magnum and Higgins have finally got past that compulsion to shout at each other all the time and actually have quite civilized conversations, even offering each other helpful advice. The Aunt Who Came to Dinner<\/em> (S7, E17) is one such example and even though Magnum never, not once, says ‘thank you’ when Higgins offers him a cigar throughout this season, the two of them can, and do, work well together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The penultimate episode of this season, The People vs. Orville Wright<\/em> (S7, E18) features an usual, cliffhanger-style ending with Rick, first being cleared of murder, then shuffling into a cell as he’s sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison by the FBI. This story arc continues into the final episode Limbo<\/em> (S7, E19), which was to be the last episode of Magnum<\/em>, ever. Opening in medias res<\/em>, we find our plucky private eye in the middle of a fierce one-on-three firefight in a crate-filled warehouse. Unfortunately, he takes two to the chest, making a total of 10 times Magnum has been shot! (That’s more than Sgt. Barnes in Platoon<\/em>.) What follows is something that echoes a little of the final episode of Quantum Leap<\/em>, which makes some sense, since Donald P. Bellisario was responsible for both. Magnum watches events unfold and his friends mourn for him as a ghost of sorts, with only Mac offering a little cryptic advice here and there, since Mac died in Did You See the Sun Rise?<\/em> (S3, E1, part1 & 2). However, this is nicely handled in a very effective manner with little or no drawn-out sentimental nonsense. He finally walks off into the clouds, symbolizing his readiness to die only after he has got Rick out of prison, sent Higgins’ memoirs to the publishers and accepted Michelle’s desire to marry another man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this episode was filmed everyone on the crew thought it was the last one, including Selleck. Not long before the air date in April ’87, he agreed to do one final season, albeit a much shorter one. His salary was substantially more than the previous seven seasons, plus he received a $350,000 bonus from Universal Studios, all of which he gave to the entire cast and crew of the show in the form of lavish gifts and thousand dollar checks. After this was given the green light, Limbo<\/em> underwent some minor edits where possible to reinforce the idea that Magnum wasn’t really dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Season eight<\/strong>
How the dickens are they going to get around this? Will Magnum be less of an insufferable brat following his near-death experience? Well, Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts<\/em> (S8, E1) picks up more or less straight from where the last episode left off and it’s done surprisingly well. This was the third episode produced by Selleck after Death and Taxes<\/em> (S7, E5) and Limbo<\/em> (S7, E19) and like those other two, this a well-written, enjoyable follow-up to the near-death of Magnum, both the character and the series. His continuing recovery is the subject of Pleasure Principle<\/em> (S8, E2) and in a delightful role reversal we see Magnum trying to act his age a bit more and Higgins reclaiming a little of his lost youth by staying out late and partying. The mannerisms and language of both are carefully observed and switched with great success, it’s just a shame we had to wait eight seasons for something like this to happen. We learn that the change in Higgins’ character is a sub-conscious reaction to Magnum’s nearly dying, which adds a new layer to the friendship between these two, even at this late stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The season eight opening credits are practically identical to those of the preceding season, with just three or four split-second snippets being replaced, in essence one for each character and couple of miscellaneous clips. Selleck produced the first few episodes for this season and they are of a pretty consistent high quality. Innocence… A Broad<\/em> (S8, E3) follows a vaguely similar plot to the 1950 film Born Yesterday<\/em>, starring William Holden and Judy Holliday, but Tigers Fan<\/em> (S8, E4) is yet another well-written, emotional offering and has Magnum tracking down the killer of series regular Lt Tanaka. Towards the climax of the episode Magnum goes impromptu SEAL, using motor oil to blacken his face and arms before an improvised night time, solo assault on a luxury yacht anchored off of Waikiki. The whole scene is set to a very effective synthesized score, reminiscent of Jan Hammer’s music in Miami Vice<\/em>, but not so similar that it could be considered a rip off of any sort. Equally as memorable is that for possibly the very first time, Magnum actually demonstrates some military knowledge of properly handling weapons in a CQB situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forever in Time<\/em> (S8, E5) offers another mystic-Magnum story, but The Love That Lies<\/em> (S8, E6) is quite an emotional affair where Carol discovers that her mother isn’t her biological parent, in this, the seventh and final Carol-centric episode of the series. Both this and Tigers Fan<\/em> (S8, E4) would almost certainly be in a Top 20 list of all-time epic episodes as we’ve become quite attached now to secondary, reoccurring characters, including Carol, Lt Tanaka and Ice Pick. Out of the blue, the character Susan Johnson \u2013 the bumbling bank teller and daughter of a world famous forger last seen locked in a vault with Magnum in Rembrandt’s Girl<\/em> (S4, E14) \u2013 pops up again in A Girl Named Sue<\/em> (S8, E7). Lo and behold, she’s decided to become a private investigator in a move that must now mean the island of Hawaii has the highest number of private detectives per capita of any US state. Johnson \u2013 played by Carol Burnett \u2013 mimics Magnum in many ways, as she sees him as a role model, to the point of driving an identical bright red Ferrari 308GTS. Magnum even hangs a lantern,<\/em> to use a TV writer’s term, to the fact that it’s hardly suitable for remaining inconspicuous. “Nice surveillance car,” he jabs. “Very subtle. I get mine free.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’d think by now Magnum might have actually moved on from Michelle \u2013 she went off and married Mark Graison from Dallas<\/em> after all \u2013 but as Colonel Buck Greene says in Unfinished Business<\/em> (S8, E8), “This is getting very tired.” What unfolds instead though is an utterly unexpected excellent episode. The trail against Quang Ki for orchestrating the attempted murder of Magnum at the end of season seven is summarily dropped and Thomas is again concerned about the safety of his ex-wife and maybe-daughter…rah, rah, rah [yawn]. However, when he receives a video cassette in the mail showing Michelle and Lily Catherine being killed by a car bomb…his concerns appear to have been justified. But, as he intensely plans his revenge to a powerful Genesis instrumental, he discovers there is actually much more going on. In a top secret military operation, Ki is being exchanged for a POW still being held in Vietnam and thus proving there are still US soldiers being held captive. Magnum is torn between his burning need for vengeance and his strong emotional links to being a POW. Tears stream down his cheeks as he has Ki in the sights of his sniper rifle…and also watches as the returning Navy serviceman is reunited with his family. Season eight so far is certainly no drawn out epilogue or just closure-in-12-parts, we’re seeing what is much of the very best Magnum<\/em> has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following on from The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company<\/em> (S8, E9), an easily forgettable episode, Legend of the Lost Art<\/em> (S8, E10) is commonly referred to as the “Raiders of the Lost Ark<\/em> episode” since it’s an obvious parody, playing on the fact that Ton Selleck was offered the role of Indiana Jones. There’s even a Belloq-like character, plus the fedora, whip and occasional sweeping screen wipes made famous by George Lucas, who himself was influenced by Akira Kurosawa. Much of the dialogue has amusing Airplane!<\/em> -style humour, with the continual mixup of “lost art” and “lost ark” plus it’s interesting to get an idea of what Selleck might have looked like as the battered archeologist. Personally, I can’t help but think Harrison Ford has the “everyman” look that suited the role so much better. From the financial perspective, Selleck roughly made about the same with eight seasons of Magnum<\/em> as Ford did with the first three Indiana Jones movies. We don’t talk about the fourth one.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Indiana-Magnum\"
Indiana Magnum?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Just a three more episodes left now and then that’s it, forever. So what better way than to have Higgins all but confirm that he is<\/em> Robin Masters, which is more or less what happens in Transitions<\/em> (S8, E10). Naturally he doesn’t actually come out and admit it, but Magnum persists with his theory as Robin’s latest novel manuscript is stolen mad Thomas must track it down with the help of Luther Gillis for the last time. During this time however, Higgins drops more hints and even gives Magnum a kind of “oh, alright then” look at the end of the episode as the two share a moment looking over the Honolulu skyline. And then here we are; the last installment of Magnum, PI<\/em> and it ends just like it began \u2013 eight seasons\/160 episodes\/120 hours\/seven years and one month ago \u2013 with a two parter: Resolutions<\/em> (S8, E11, parts 1 & 2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a bit of an erratic, mixed bag, set against the backdrop of Rick’s wedding to Cleo, which draws virtually every reoccurring character to the Robin Masters Estate for the ceremony. Magnum reactivates his commission with the US Navy and becomes a full-time father to his daughter Lily, after he’s reunited with her \u2013 spoiler: turns out she’s alive. TC seems to be on the road to reconciliation with his wife. Rick can’t decide if he really wants to actually tie the knot and while standing actually at the alter with Cleo \u2013 Ice Pick gives her away, which is nice \u2013 he can’t actually bring himself to say the words “I do”. The only thing that really spoils this otherwise nicely set up two-part series finale is the sudden appearance of Magnum’s paternal grandfather<\/em>, Thomas Sullivan Magnum II. Magnum himself is over 40, so that would make his grandfather 80 at the very least…and this guy is not a day over 60. It’s a shame as it jars considerably over the course of the double-episode as it’s used as a device to illustrate to Thomas what his life might become he maintains his unsettled lifestyle. Higgins denies being Robin Masters at the wedding, in order to preserve some sense of mystery, but personally, I think he’s actually telling the truth when he admits it earlier in the episode.  At the end of the closing credits there is a brief scene of Magnum and Lily walking on the beach (with their backs to the camera). Suddenly, the scene is projected to the TV set in the guesthouse. The beach scene ends and we briefly see the Universal production logo. The camera then zooms out from the TV set and we see Tom Selleck in a tan Navy uniform. He points a TV remote clicker at the camera and says simply, “good night”. The screen goes blank, end of the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now read on for an exclusive interview with the man who actually created Magnum<\/em>, Donald P. Bellisario…<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Donald P. Bellisario<\/strong>
After such a lengthy analysis of the show, it seemed only fitting to speak to the man who actually created it. Thankfully, after charming his agent with my British accent and some persistent persuasion, Mr Bellisario agreed to speak with me from his Beverly Hills home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the opening credits, both Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson are credited for creating Magnum, PI,<\/em> I asked Mr Bellisario to explain a little more about the working relationship between the two of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There was no<\/em> relationship in working with Glen,” he told me in a matter-of-fact way. He paused, collected his thoughts and began to explain. “I was a newbie in California and in the business. I’d worked for Glen on Battlestar Galactica<\/em> for a year, but I left and began developing ideas and pilots, so I was writing a number of shows…one of them turned out to be Quantum Leap<\/em> later and one of them eventually became Magnum<\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bellisario started working with Stephen J. Cannell on Black Sheep Squadron <\/em>and The Gypsy Warriors<\/em>, the latter of which happened to star Tom Selleck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Stephen had written a pilot for Gypsy Warriors<\/em> and the studio said they wanted to see another episode script, so he came to me on a Friday afternoon, and said ‘can you get me a script by Monday morning?’ I stayed in the office the whole weekend, wrote a script, turned it in, and then the following Thursday Steve came in and said ‘they want to see another one, and can you have it by Monday?’ I said ‘no, I can’t, give me a week at least’.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little later, Larson called Bellisario, gave him a script he had written called Magnum<\/em> and asked if he was interested in going to Hawaii to direct it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I said ‘sure,’ so I took the script, I went home and read it, and it was, to be honest, really bad. It was. It was really bad.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selleck read Larson’s script for Magnum<\/em> and famously said ‘I’ll pound roofing nails before I do this shit’.” The studio asked Selleck if there was anyone else at Universal that he’d be prepared to work with (as it was producing the Gypsy Warriors<\/em> pilot) and he said that he really liked Bellisario’s scripts for the two new episodes that Cannell had recently asked for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bellisario and Selleck met with Charlie Engel, EVP for programming at NBC Universal to talk about Larson’s script for Magnum<\/em>. Selleck shared his thoughts and Bellisario agreed to rework the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I walked into Glen’s office and I said ‘Glen, it’s 50\/50, you and I, on creating it. You’re out of it. I’m the executive producer from here on out and I’m doing the show.’ He said, ‘deal’…he was no fool and shook my hand.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why you see “created by Donald P. Bellisario and<\/em> Glen A. Larson” in the opening credits. In the film and TV industry, particularly within writing, there are different ways in which credits are displayed; if the word and<\/em> is used it means that the two names didn’t work together, however if an ampersand<\/em> is used, then the two names did work on it together at the same time, so it’s like a shared, equal writing credit. If the word and<\/em> is used, then typically, one person worked on it and then, after their involvement had ended, it was given to someone else to develop further. And so because some elements of the final show came from Larson’s original pitch, but he handed it over to Bellisario, it’s credited like this.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Magnum<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Not a great deal is known about Larson’s original pitch. However, Bellisario put together a first draft, which he called HH Flynn<\/em>. The original setting was Bel Air; Flynn was an ex-Vietnam vet and private investigator, who provided security for a large estate. He lived in the guest house and drove a Ferrari. TC and Rick were his Vietnam buddies. TC flew helicopters to the oil rigs off the coast of California. Rick owned a bar in San Pedro. The character of Higgins, as we know him, did not exist at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The setting changed to Hawaii, the named changed to Magnum \u2013 as per Larson’s original pitch \u2013 plus a few more tweaks here and there and history was made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I started from scratch and basically wrote HH Flynn<\/em> out of Magnum<\/em> and set it in Hawaii. This always gives everybody a kick. I had never been to Hawaii. I got a 1955 Fodor’s travel book. I put all the locations together and wrote everything from that travel book,” he laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When I went to Hawaii for the first time to scout the shoot I was stunned. I’m like, ‘where did all these big buildings come from?’ In 1955 there was only the Royal Hawaiian and one other hotel there and that was it. I was shocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I wanted to make Hawaii look like it did before World War II, so I told all the directors, ‘I don’t want to see telephone poles or wires. I don’t want to see any condominiums. I want to see nothing but beautiful scenery, two-lane roads, no super highways,’ and in the second episode I was looking at dailies and here’s Tom and some character walking on a beach and I see this condominium in the background. I call over there and I said, ‘what the hell is the condominium doing?’ ‘Well, it made a great shot,’ came the reply. I said, ‘Yo, guess what? That great shot’s going to be re-shot without a condominium.’ And they had to re-shoot it without the condominium. It gave Hawaii a very luxurious, exotic look, at least the first few years when I was really active in the show.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This gradually changed through the series as more of Honolulu was shown and the inclusion of a more modern Hawaii was unavoidable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When I called Glen, I said, ‘Here, I’m want to show you the pilot I shot in Hawaii,’ and he was sitting next to me. We were watching the pilot. He said, ‘Where’s, where’s …’ I said, ‘Glen, just watch the show,’ because there was nothing that he had put in the show except the idea that there was a place called Robin’s Nest where Tom lived in the guesthouse and was a security person there. In Glenn’s script, Tom had a killer dog that no one could get near, and Tom also had in Glen’s script, he had hang gliders with machine guns on the wings.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A popular theory amongst fans is that the character of Jonathan Higgins is based on the real life Lt Col John Masters<\/a> since there are many similarities in the lives of both men. However, this isn’t the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I was working on the script one night and watching a movie on TV called, Guns at Batasi<\/em>,” Bellisario says. “It was a black and white movie starring Richard Attenborough. It was about a British sergeant-major in Africa when the colonies were nationalized. He tries to defend his captain when an ambitious African officer initiates a coup d’etat. They’re surrounded in the barracks and he has to surrender to save the lives of his men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“They tell him they want him out, out of the army, so here he is, a gruff, fiercely patriotic sergeant-major with 35 years in the army and they tell him he’s finished. He walks in to the serviceman’s bar there and he orders a drink. A picture of the queen behind the bar. He’s so furious he takes the drink and the throws it at the picture and shatters the glass, the picture falls. He immediately is mortified at what he’s done. He runs behind the bar and he cleans it all off. He hangs the picture back up, walks around, puts his swagger stick under his arm and walks out. I like to say he walked right into being Higgins.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Those stories Higgins regaled with were all my stories that I made up,” he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some very deliberate decisions were been made in creating Magnum’s back story. I asked what was the inspiration was to make his Viet Nam War history so specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don’t remember what it was. It was a compilation of things. It was buddies of mine that I knew that had served in Viet Nam. I was a marine for four years and never served in Viet Nam, but I certainly had a lot of friends that did. Some of it was a compilation of that put together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, as we near the end of season seven Magnum comes up with an interesting theory that Higgins is in fact Robin Masters, something that Higgins finally admits too in the final episode, but then later retracts, saying he was lying. Is Higgins actually the successful Mills & Boon-style pulp novelist? As I ask Mr Bellisario, he laughs, but I remind him that the evidence is compelling. When Higgins finally, reluctantly admits that he is Robin Masters, it feels like he is actually telling the truth. His expression and the emotion he portrays all add up to a very convincing performance. When Magnum asks him why…he simply says, “Tradition.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“He could be Robin Masters, it’s certainly possible,” Bellisario says. “I think he enjoys the anonymity, he enjoys that no one actually knows for sure.” As much as I want to believe that he is, this is clearly an idea that was floated about later in the series. In Italian Ice<\/em> (S2, E15) Katrina says that she remembers her father, Robin and Higgins playing chess together. “It’s definitely not something that wasn’t written in from the start,” Bellisario confirms. And what’s nice is that the show didn’t contradict, or re-write itself as Magnum’s conspiracy theory developed. There’s some interesting discussion on this subject on the Magnum Mania forum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To 10 episodes of Magnum, PI<\/em> \u2013 in chronological order
<\/strong>Never Again… Never Again<\/em> (S1, E6)
Try To Remember<\/em> (S2, E14)
Did You See the Sun Rise?<\/em>  (S3, E1, parts 1 & 2)
Home From the Sea<\/em> (S4, E1)
Operation: Silent Night<\/em> (S4, E10)
Compulsion<\/em> (S5, E13)
Deja Vu<\/em> (S6, E1, parts 1 & 2)
Going Home<\/em> (S6, E6)
Way of the Stalking Horse<\/em> (S6, E16)
Unfinished Business<\/em> (S8, E8)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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